Since our college days, my best friend and I have used the expression "Making that money" when talking about success, both professionally and personally. We hope you enjoy our stories, and share some of your own.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Taxes

What is it about doing taxes and thinking about last year? Every time I prepare my tax returns, I find myself thinking "Was it really just last year that I..." or "Wow, last year we sure spent a lot on...."

It's also a time to plan ahead. If I got a sizable refund for a certain year, then I know I overpaid taxes (No, I do not think of it as a tremendous gift from Uncle Sam, despite what he might wish). So I consider ways to reduce my taxes paid to avoid such refunds in the future. All in all, it's almost like having a New Years Eve reflection and a New Years Day Resolution - only in dollars and cents.

This post probably has no deeper meaning. I just find myself doing my taxes and thinking about the recent past and the oncoming future. At least I know I won't be paying so much in taxes for a while. That's one benefit of living on a graduate school stipend, and of having three beautiful children.

On a somewhat related note, someone (okay, it was my accountant) asked me today if I got in. He wasn't negative about it, but he was probably the first person who seemed to really suggest that I ought to wonder IF I will get in. I made my case to him, explaining the reasons why I felt sure that at least one school would accept me. I didn't list "I feel called from God to do this" among my reasons (perhaps I should have), but I explained why schools might find me a good choice. I'm not down about it, but it did give me a momentary pause. A "what if" moment. But it passed. I cannot let doubt stand in my way. I know I will get in somewhere, if not multiple places. Then I can quit doubting acceptance and start doubting what exactly I am getting myself in to (just kidding, mostly). I am looking forward to knowing where I can go.